Newcastle revive interest in Bilal El Khannouss after Lille demand €70m for Fernandez-Pardo

Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Stuttgart midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, with the summer transfer window in the Premier League closing on 1 September.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Newcastle have returned to the possibility of signing the Morocco international after their efforts to pursue Lille midfielder Matias Fernandez-Pardo failed to produce an agreement.

Lille reportedly rejected a €60m offer for Fernandez-Pardo and are holding out for €70m. The €10m difference between the bid and Lille’s valuation has prompted Newcastle to reconsider their position in the market and revive their interest in El Khannouss.

The 21-year-old joined Stuttgart from Leicester City during last summer’s transfer window. He has since established himself as an attacking midfielder capable of contributing both goals and assists.

El Khannouss made 36 appearances for Leicester across all competitions in the season before last, scoring three goals and providing five assists. After moving to Stuttgart, he played 42 matches in all competitions, finding the net nine times and creating a further seven goals.

His performances at club level have also kept him involved with Morocco. El Khannouss featured for the national team during the 2026 World Cup finals.

Newcastle’s renewed interest comes with time running short before the Premier League deadline. Clubs in England must complete their business by 1 September, leaving the club with a limited period in which to decide whether to pursue El Khannouss or continue negotiations for Fernandez-Pardo.

The situation has therefore created two possible routes for Newcastle in their search for midfield reinforcements. Lille’s refusal to accept €60m for Fernandez-Pardo means a larger fee would be required to secure him, while El Khannouss has re-emerged as an alternative target.

No agreement for either player is reported to have been reached. Newcastle’s interest in El Khannouss has been revived, but the club must now determine whether to make a formal move before the transfer window closes.

El Khannouss’s record at both Leicester City and Stuttgart is central to his appeal. He produced eight goal contributions during his final season with Leicester and followed that with 16 across all competitions for Stuttgart. His involvement with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup has also added to his profile ahead of the final stages of the transfer window.

The next move will depend on Newcastle’s assessment of the two deals and the respective asking prices. Lille want €70m for Fernandez-Pardo after turning down €60m, while El Khannouss has become the focus of renewed attention as Newcastle weigh up their options.